Guinea pigs are herbivores, and their natural diets mainly consist of plants, seeds, and some bark and twigs. While they can enjoy a wide variety of snacks, owners shouldn’t feed them almonds.
Almonds aren’t toxic to guinea pigs, but there are other reasons why they’re not the best snack for them. Here’s what you need to know about almonds and guinea pigs and how you can feed your precious pets healthy and safe snacks.
Why Guinea Pigs Shouldn’t Eat Almonds
We acknowledge that almonds are generally a healthy snack that contains a lot of beneficial nutrients.1 While you don’t have to worry about poisoning if your guinea pig eats an almond, there are several other safety concerns to consider.
First, almonds have a high-fat content and contain a decent amount of carbs. In contrast, guinea pigs eat a high-fiber, low-carb diet. So, eating too many almonds can quickly lead to unnecessary weight gain. Guinea pigs also have sensitive stomachs and may not be able to digest almonds well, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Almonds are also extremely rich in calcium,2 which can be too much for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs that consistently consume an excess of calcium can develop bladder stones and kidney stones, which are extremely painful.
Lastly, almonds can be a choking hazard for guinea pigs. While a guinea pig may be able to gnaw at an almond, it can easily swallow one accidentally and choke on it.
Due to the lack of benefits and safety concerns, it’s best to avoid feeding your guinea pig almonds and other nuts. Fortunately, you can find plenty of other safe and nutritious snacks to give to your guinea pig as treats.
Safe Snacks for Guinea Pigs to Eat
Your guinea pig’s normal diet should consist of a lot of fiber and vitamin C. Guinea pigs thrive when they eat low-calcium hay and commercial guinea pig pellets. These pellets contain all vitamins and minerals that guinea pigs need to meet their daily nutritional needs.
You can supplement hay and pellets with some low-carb vegetables. They can eat leafy greens, like red leaf lettuce, kale, and romaine lettuce. If you want to treat your guinea pig to some lettuce, just refrain from feeding them iceberg lettuce, as it doesn’t contain many nutrients.
Vegetables that have a high vitamin C content are also an excellent choice. Many guinea pigs can enjoy eating asparagus, bell peppers, and tomatoes. They may also like eating herbs, like cilantro.
Your guinea pig can also eat some fruit, but it’s best to save them as a very special snack that you only give every once in a while. Their high sugar content can upset the balance of intestinal bacteria in a guinea pig, which can lead to critical digestive issues.
When introducing your guinea pig to a new snack, make sure to start with extremely small portions. Check to see if they’re able to digest the new food well before feeding them more. If you notice any changes in behavior, loose stool, diarrhea, or vomiting, refrain from feeding them more and contact your veterinarian right away for care instructions.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs should refrain from eating almonds and any other kind of nut. Nuts contain a lot of fat and carbohydrates, and almonds also have too much calcium, which can become really unsafe for guinea pigs. If you want to feed your guinea pig a special treat, it’s best to stick to a food that’s nutritious and in its natural diet.
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